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BC’s Top Employers since 2022! The Law Society of BC offers work/life balance, a collegial atmosphere, and an excellent benefits package, including: extended health benefits, a dental plan and more.
The Law Society of BC is seeking a permanent, full-time Officer in our Credentials department. The Credentials Department is responsible for ensuring that Law Society standards are met for all applications relating to good character, repute and fitness for admission and reinstatement, whether lawyers practice history is current and for conveying information on those standards to applicants, members, the Credentials Committee, Benchers and staff.
The Credentials Officer must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the legislative framework (Legal Profession Act, Law Society Rules and BC Code) within the Law Society functions, as well as, a working knowledge of policy decisions of past and current Credentials Committees and Bencher meetings. The Department is also responsible for the administration of the Unclaimed Trust Funds Program and reviewing proposals to the Innovation Sandbox.
The duties of this position include:
- Providing advice to applicants for admission and reinstatement relating to good character and repute and members returning to practice.
- Independently drafting correspondence to applicants where issues of good character, repute and fitness arise, deciding what further information will be required and responding to and providing advice to applicants.
- Authorizing and conducting investigations into applications and deciding when to approve applications or refer to the Director or directly to Credentials Committee.
- Deciding whether members are, or have been, engaged in the practice of law and/or whether substantive law and practice skills are current and approving or referring to the Director or directly to Credentials Committee.
- Independently preparing memoranda to the Credentials Committee including summarizing history of applicants and issues to be resolved, often relating to character, and whether substantive law and practice skills are current.
- Recording minutes of Credentials Committee meetings, advising applicants of the Committee’s decisions, reasons, and consequences/options.
- Monitoring compliance of conditions and restrictions and deciding when and whether to refer non-compliance to Professional Conduct Department.
- Acting as an administrator of unclaimed trust money by: determining the relevant legislation, rules and policies to ensure that only money that qualifies is accepted; conducting investigations to locate owners of unclaimed trust money; and managing claims to money, including deciding if payment of trust money may be made.
- Independently reviewing proposals to the Innovation Sandbox initiative, corresponding with proponents, and preparing proposals for presentation to the Executive Committee.
- Providing advice, guidance and training to Registration & Licensee Services Department staff.
- Identifying and recognizing intra and inter-departmental policy issues that arise and working with the Director on development of departmental policies and procedures.
- Conducting research, obtaining information from other jurisdictions, and other duties as the Director may require.
Qualifications
- Completion of a recognized paralegal program or equivalent and a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience, preferably some in a regulatory environment.
- Excellent time management, analytical and writing skills.
- Professional judgment and sound communication skills, including effective interviewing techniques.
- Ability to act independently and demonstrate sound initiative.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic investigative search techniques.
The salary range for this position is $75,146 to $81,680.
The Law Society of BC is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the future of our organization. In accordance with the Law Society of B.C.’s commitment to reconciliation, we seek to create a culturally safe space and to continue further improving relationships with Indigenous peoples.
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to personnel@lsbc.org with the subject “Credentials Officer”. The closing date for this competition is August 27, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Law Society of BC supports hybrid work schedules. This position is located at the Law Society of British Columbia office in the Yaletown area of Vancouver, BC.
845 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 4Z9
